FAA Administrator on ADS-B Billing: ‘That’s Not the Intended Use’

Bedford says the agency would object if airport charge methods push pilots to turn off safety-critical equipment.

Ryan Ewing

Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 07:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford [Credit: FAA]

Key Takeaways:

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford expressed concern over the growing use of ADS-B data for airport landing fees, warning that it could incentivize pilots to disable vital safety equipment.
Bedford stated that using ADS-B, a critical safety tool, for revenue collection is a misuse that creates safety risks and is not its intended purpose.
The controversy has become a "flash point" in general aviation, with pilot groups like AOPA advocating for state and federal efforts to prevent ADS-B data from being used as a revenue-collection tool.
While the FAA isn't immediately planning new rulemaking, Bedford indicated the issue is "on the radar" due to its safety implications and impact on affordable flight access.

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FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the agency is closely watching the growing controversy over airport landing fees and warned that the use of ADS-B data in ways that could encourage pilots to disable safety equipment crosses a line for regulators.

In an exclusive interview with FLYING ahead of the magazine’s Ultimate Issue, Bedford said airports are generally permitted to charge for services but added that “how they go about that matters” and “how they assess the fees” does as well.